Using your mobile abroad can quickly turn your dream holiday into a nightmare if you’re not properly prepared.
Mobile phones and a constant internet connection have become part of daily life for millions. However, when you travel internationally, your existing mobile plan usually won’t cover your usage. You may be shocked at how much mobile data you’re using, especially when you’re being charged by the megabyte.
What are your options for using your mobile abroad?
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Roaming
You can continue using your mobile plan while overseas, but you’ll be charged roaming fees. These are extra charges for using your mobile abroad, in a country other than the one where it’s registered.
Your mobile provider may also have a ‘fair usage’ policy that caps your data usage while you’re overseas. This might be lower than your usual data allowance, so be careful of large file downloads.
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International SIM
Instead of using your current SIM, you can buy a SIM from the country you are travelling to, either before or after you arrive. Add a pay-monthly plan or top it up with pay-as-you-go credit, and you’re ready to go! Just remember you’ll have a new phone number, so make sure to give this to anyone who needs it.
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Stick to WiFi
One option to avoid roaming charges is to only connect to the internet via WiFi while using your mobile abroad. While this prevents high fees for overseas data usage, you might not be able to reliably find secure, free WiFi networks.
Hotels, transport and public spaces may all charge for WiFi access, so knowing your options for mobile data provides a good alternative.
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Calls and texts
Using your mobile data in other countries can lead to surprise bills, but don’t forget about charges for calls and texts too.
Most mobile plans in the UK include unlimited calls and texts for no extra charge. However, this allowance usually only applies to calls made to and from the UK. While in other countries, a quick catch-up call can end in a nasty bill.
Be sure to check your provider’s rules for international calls and texts, or stick to an internet based service like WhatsApp.
Is data in the EU still included in UK mobile plans?
UK mobile users used to be able to use their mobile data in any EU country without roaming fees. However, ever since Brexit – the UK’s exit from the EU – this is no longer the case.
Some mobile providers do still offer their customers free EU roaming, but make sure to check your supplier is one of them before you start using your phone in Europe!
Top tip! Planning on listening to an audiobook, enjoying a particular playlist or watching a movie or series? Download them before your trip to save the hassle and cost of using mobile data abroad.
Check with your provider before using your mobile abroad
Before committing to a new SIM card or panicking about surprise charges for roaming data, check with your current mobile provider. Many of the UK’s most popular mobile service providers offer plans to make using your mobile abroad more affordable.
Top tip! Check your mobile carrier network to make sure they cover the area you’re travelling to.
For example, Sky Mobile offers Roaming Passport Plus. This allows you to access your usual UK data allowance, as well as calls and texts, for just £2 for 24 hours.
The pass activates automatically when you use your phone in any of the 55 countries where it is available – including destinations across Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
